The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, cable-television channel History, and Preserve America today recognized Fairfax County educator John Struck as the 2014 Virginia History Teacher of the Year. Struck teaches at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County. VDOE history specialist Betsy Barton presented the award today during a reception at the school where Struck has taught for 20 years.

Struck teaches Advanced Placement (AP) US History, AP Government and honors 20th-Century World History. He has been a consultant for the College Board’s National Certification program since 2009 and has been active in test and curriculum development and crafting practice questions for educational organizations such as Kaplin Inc., ACT and AP since 2008. Earlier this year, Struck was honored by school alumni who elected him into the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Teacher Hall of Fame.

“John Struck is known for his engaging student-centered lessons,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said. “He uses historic documents as a vehicle for student inquiry, and he facilitates learning and critical thinking through his animated classroom discussions and probing questions.”

The Thomas Jefferson High School teacher was one of 49 nominees for the award and was selected for the honor by a committee of educators and historians from the Library of Virginia, the University of Virginia, the Virginia Historical Society and Virginia Union University.

Struck received a $1,000 award from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, History cable channel and Preserve America and is the commonwealth’s nominee for the National History Teacher of the Year Award to be announced later this year. In addition, the Thomas Jefferson High School library will receive a collection of history books and reference materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute.

Struck is the 11th educator to be honored as the commonwealth's top history teacher.